Nightscrawlers

FYI: My father--Emmett Erston Cockrum--died this morning at approximately 5am central standard time. He would've been 95 years old next February. He was a retired Lt.Col. in the U.S. Air Force and former history teacher, and at times he seemed larger than life. Life with him and my late mom was sometimes turbulent, and there was a period of about fifteen years when I did not speak to them, but we finally reconciled our differences shortly before my mom's passing and dad and I were on good terms the last twenty-odd years.

Dad joined the U.S. Army reserve in the 1930s, originally in the Field Artillery, and served in WW11 in the Army Historical Branch in the Italian campaign. After the war, when the Air Force was split off from the Army, Dad opted to shift to the Air Force. He served with distinction in Japan, Korea, Thailand and various Stateside assignments, and after retirement he and my mom took advantage of the Air Force retirement travel benefits and traveled widely around the world. Dad's third wife, Mary Francis Cockrum, survives him.

I loved my father very much.



[Edited on 11-11-2006 by Dark Bamf]

My sincerest condolances, and my thoughts are with you and your family in these hard times.

I know, it sounds like a cliche but it's true. Please take care.

November is dark. In Estonia it was called the Month of the Souls. People lit candles on the windows, to show some light off to the pitch black night so that the wandering souls would find their way home and not be angry. I'll lit up one for him, too. I hope that he doesn't get confused about a little flame on the wrong side of the world. Peace be with him, and with you, too.

Anu

[Edited on 11/11/0606 by Enelas]

I am very sorry to hear that Dave. My condolences to you and your family.

Paws

I am sorry to hear of your loss, Mr. Cockrum. I hope you and your family find peace and comfort in the days ahead.

Yours Truly, Miranda

My condolences. We'll be thinking of you, Paty and your family.

Jeanette and Scott.

Dave I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. There really are no comforting words that I know that will ease the pin of losing a parent . My thoughts are with you and your family.

Deepest Regards
Annika

The only comforting thing is that it wasn't a surprise. Dad had several life-threatening problems, and, realizing the end was approaching, he refused to take the meds and treatments that might have extended his life. He died quietly in his sleep in his own bed at home.

Many thanks to all of you for the kind thoughts, and an aside to you, Anu--he was a world traveler. He won't be coinfused by a candle on your side of the world. Thank yoiu very much.

Just found this thread

My condolences Dave, its always hard to lose someone, a parent even more so, 95 years isn't enough when its your Dad *hug*

My codolences mr Cockrum, i'm sorry for your loss. At least your father lived for near 95 years and you were in good terms these last 20 years.

Take care. May you and Paty live so long and be in good shape again.


[Edited on 12/11/06 by STEPHANEGARRELIE]

Originally posted by kladyelf
Just found this thread

My condolences Dave, its always hard to lose someone, a parent even more so, 95 years isn't enough when its your Dad *hug*

You can say that again. Many thanks.

My deepest condolences, as well, Dave, along with many thoughts and prayers.

Dave Wilson

Both Julie and I express our deepest sympathies and condolences. I am so happy to hear of your reconciliation with you dad. My dad and I had a really good relationship toward the end. When illness and age strike a parent, even though you know the inevitable, its hard when that last little glimmer goes out.
God Bless

Sorry about your loss. Times like these make us think about our own mortality. Keep your head up, Dave, your dad appeared to have a wonderful life.

Again, thanks for all the good wishes and condolences, and especially from you, Jerry. We took the trek out to Illinois again for the funeral. Dad was put to rest at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, where Mom was buried some twenty-odd years ago. It was an especially moving ceremony with honor guard and flag, and 21-gun salute. Personally, I wanted a 'missing man formation' of aircraft overhead, but Dad wasn't a pilot, ßo mybe he didn't rate it. As my brother pointed out, it would have been n expensive and complicated business getting the Air National Guard involved.

Anyway, except for the reason for the trip, it was a good trip. My brother and his son and stepdaughter were there, and my late sister's son and his wife, and Dad's widow, Mary, and her daughter, and various cousins and old friends. The funeral service even had a representative from the Boy Scouts of America; Dad was a registered member for nearly eighty years.

Anyway, we're back home--and hope we don't have to take any more trips this yhear. Good luck, blessings and good holiday wishes to all of you.